Miranda Lambert was on Fire

Miranda Lambert brought her On Fire tour to Nationwide arena Thursday night. Special guest included two of todays most popular country artist, Chris Young and Jerrod Niemann. The predominantly female crowed filled in Nationwide to listen to some of country music’s finest. Lines of over one hundred peopled gathered at the doors in anticipation of the show.

Jerrod Niemann kicked off the spectacle with a technically sound performance that at times seemed to lack luster. Many songs seemed like a less energetic and dull version of his music. It may have been the sound crew or an off night but having seen Niemann before, he is capable of a much better stage show. Niemann did have a few select songs which sounded amazing and captured the audiences attention, “What Do You Want”, “One More Drinkin’ Song” and “Lover Lover” were perfect and seemed to have a whole different level of energy and confidence infused with the music.

Photo by Dorn Byg/Columbus Wired

Chris Young was up next. Young took the stage with confidence and immediately began singing “Save Water, Drink Beer” getting the crowd into the music and setting the tone for his lively, heartfelt performance. Interaction with the crowd gave Young a stage presence that is hard to compete with. Young’s command of the stage created a buzz among concertgoers and they proceeded to sing many of Young’s songs word for word. Chris young played a set that included new single, “Neon”, as well as hit songs, “Gettin’ You Home”, “Voices” and closed with a vocally astonishing version of “Tomorrow”. Young finished his show to one of the loudest cheers the night would offer, setting the tone for Miranda Lambert.

Between sets, the high-pitched screams of the female audience members filled Nationwide, anticipation was at a peek. Wasting no time at all, Miranda Lambert took over the stage, starting out by playing “Fastest Girl In Town”, “Kerosene” and “Heart Like Mine” before addressing the rowdy Columbus crowd. Lambert commanded the stage by constantly moving around, shaking hands and even signing the boots of audience members while singing. Miranda Lambert played songs encompassing her whole career and even played a country version of Lady Gaga’s “You and I”. Half way through the show, Lambert then brought out her friends and band mates from the up and coming band, The Pistol Annies. The Annies began with staple song, “Hell on Heels” and proceeded to pay a short set giving Columbus a taste of their music. Lambert then got back to her own solo music by playing songs “Baggage Claim”,” The House That Built Me”, “Gunpowder and Led” and “White Liar” capped off a night of music that those fortunate to attend will remember for a long time.